Politics & Government

Widow of 9/11 Victim: 'Today is a New and Exciting Day for Americans'

Warren community reacts to death of Osama bin Laden, considers how to inform children of issue.

Local family members of those killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and officials are reacting to the news of Osama bin Laden's death with heavy-hearted relief.

"Today is a new and exciting day for Americans," Jill Pila, whose husband James Gartenberg, was killed in the 9/11 attacks. "As an American directly affected by Sept. 11, I'm happy that this day has come.

"The fact we've now gotten the No. 1 guy is a great achievement," she continued.

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Pila was doubtful that bin Laden's death puts an end to the threat of terrorism, since he taught hatred around the world, which remains a potent threat. But she was quick to thank those responsible for pushing bin Laden into a less-public view and his eventual death.

"I want to the thank the American troops for their dedication and commitment over the years to our country," Pila said, adding she thanks the Obama Administration's efforts in the achievement.

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Pila moved to Warren about seven years ago with her children, and worries about how to discuss the news with them—a concern shared at local schools who need to address the historic news without creating emotional or other issues for the students.

"We do need to address that in some way," Superintendent of Warren Schools Tami Crader said. With family members of the some of those killed in the attacks in the school district, Crader said whatever teaching regarding bin Laden's death is done will be handled in an age-appropriate manner and mindful of family's views.

"We need to be very sensitive to political positions that may taken at home," she said. "We don't want to teach one thing at school and have children something different from their parents."

Crader added she will meeting Monday afternoon with her staff to begin sorting out the challenges teachers will be facing and develop the classroom guidelines.

At Watchung Hills Regional High School, Social Studies Supervisor Anita Falvo said the teachers were giving students a chance to express their feelings more than directing the conversations.

"I think when we hear one student going to one extreme or another, that's when the teachers will intervene," she said. "What I find here is that students at this level tend to be able to cope and are able to discuss these kinds of things."

She said the teachers used the school's email system to share their various approaches to discussing the news, with some guiding discussion towards asking students what they feel bin Laden's death may mean for the future.

Some of the teachers engaged students in discussions about the news coverage, or such philosophical debates as whether the death was a case of revenge or justice. 

"It's interesting because in my own classes, the kid were asking 'Should we be celebrating?,'" Falvo said.

Other families of the victims did not want to comment on the news.

President Barack Obama confirmed the death of Bin Laden in a live address to the world Sunday night.

Obama authorized an operation to kill Bin Laden last week after his location was confirmed. Bin Laden died in a firefight Sunday at a compound outside Islamabad. The U.S. has taken possession of his body.

While the president did not provide details, he said the United States has been tracking bin Laden for months and finally located him in a residence in Pakistan. 

"I want to commend President Obama's Administration for its commitment and dedication to finally bringing Osama bin Laden to justice," Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement late Sunday night.

Bin Laden was leader of al Qaeda, the terrorist network behind the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which killed approximately 3,000 people, many of them from the area.

Among those killed were Warren residents Keith Eugen Coleman, 34, Hasmukhrai Chuckulal Parmar, 48, Sheryl Lynn Rosenbaum, 33, and Brian Dale, 43. Honor Elizabeth Wainio, 27, of Watchung, was also killed in the attacks.

"Hopefully, (Bin Laden's death) will put an end and give some closure to the horrible suffering the families of the victims have had to endure," Mayor Gary DiNardo said. "I'm hopeful people can move on now. It closes one door and open another for people." 

Coleman, Parmar and Rosenbaum were employed at Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center, while Dale was on board American Airlines Flight 11, which was hijacked by the terrorists and crashed into the North Tower at the World Trade Center.

"As the former U.S. Attorney and now Governor of New Jersey, I speak for all the families of this state who have courageously endured the unspeakable and devastating consequences of terrorism. There is hardly a life that has gone untouched in New Jersey by the horrifying assault on American soil that took place on September 11th and today, after years of waiting, justice has finally been delivered. While our fight against terrorism continues, Osama bin Laden's reign of terror has come to an end, sending a clear signal that even in the face of immeasurable horror, democracy and freedom continue to prevail."


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